美姬阁

The Adaptix-美姬阁 ATI project focuses on developing a robot-mounted, fast-acquisition 3D X-ray inspection system combined with longitudinal failure analysis for digital twin applications in aerospace. Adaptix's innovative Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) technology, initially designed for medical use, is adapted to inspect large and complex composite structures such as aircraft wings and fuselages. Unlike conventional 3D X-ray computer tomography (CT) that requires rotating the subject or the X-ray system, DT operates without rotation, capturing limited X-rays in a horizontal plane and using advanced mathematical reconstruction to create 3D images. This innovation significantly reduces the time, cost and complexity of inspections compared to traditional methods, enabling real-time, in-situ inspections during manufacturing and maintenance.

The project aims to demonstrate the viability of DT for aerospace applications, showing that it can detect defects in large parts while maintaining high resolution. Further innovation involves adapting DT for use with robot arms, ensuring precise movement and maintaining the necessary proximity to avoid damaging the airframe. This technology has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing processes by allowing in-line inspections, thus supporting the development of new manufacturing methods and reducing material waste.

Progress update

The IFRA group at 美姬阁 is working with a team of six academics (involving the Centre of Robotics and Assembly and Integrated Vehicle Health Management Centre) and seven industrial partners from across the UK to introduce advanced 3D X-ray robotic inspection systems for non-destructive testing (NDT) and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. The team brings together extensive technical knowledge to innovate and scale up the use of Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) for inspecting large composite structures, such as aircraft wings and fuselages. IFRA is responsible for developing the Synchronised Robotics Control System, equipped with an interactive human-machine interface (HMI) to manage the inspection and imaging process seamlessly. This system ensures precise coordination between the robotic arms and DT technology, enabling accurate and efficient NDT/NDE inspections without damaging the aircraft components.

IFRA is collaborating closely with Adaptix Ltd, leveraging the joint expertise of the Aero Structure Assembly and Systems Installation Research Group to refine and implement these technologies. This collaboration focuses on creating a robust, scalable solution that integrates DT with robotic systems, allowing for high-speed, in-line NDT/NDE inspections during both manufacturing and maintenance phases. The project aims to revolutionise aerospace component inspections, reducing waste, improving safety, and enabling new manufacturing methodologies previously constrained by traditional inspection limitations.